Mu Hen retorted, and Murong Liu Zhao's eyes grew cold. He knew very well that whether that infatuated girl entered the palace or not was none of his business.
However, he had seen a different side of her a few days ago. If someone were to enter the palace, it should be that woman.
If she had been pretending all along, how deep must her schemes be? Enough to secure her position in the palace. If she was still infatuated, then entering the palace would be her path to ruin. Why not?
"Ah Jiu, go to the Prime Minister's mansion immediately and escort the third young lady of the Mu family into the palace?" Murong Liu Zhao turned and sat back in his original seat, ignoring Mu Hen's words.
Mu Hen's face changed drastically upon hearing his words, and he cried out in shock, "Your Majesty?"
Emperor Xian, who had remained silent on the throne, had dark eyes, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.
However, he would not prevent what the King of Nan'an was doing. If he was doing this, he must have his reasons.
Emperor Xian ignored Mu Hen's cries and instructed Ah Jiu, who was by his side.
"Didn't you hear His Highness, the King of Nan'an? Take your men and go to the Mu mansion to escort the third young lady of the Mu family into the palace."
Regarding this third young lady of the Mu family, His Majesty had heard of her. He heard that she was infatuated and particularly fond of handsome men.
Just a few days ago, she had publicly blocked the path of the King of Nan'an, grabbed his clothes, and refused to let go, only to be knocked unconscious by a punch from his imperial brother. But why did his imperial brother insist on her entering the palace?
Emperor Xian's eyes flickered, and he said nothing more, addressing Mu Hen by his side, "Prime Minister, you may rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Ah Jiu had already withdrawn to escort the third young lady of the Mu family from the Prime Minister's mansion. In the imperial study, Emperor Xian spoke at a leisurely pace, "Since we have some time, Mu, come and play a game of chess with me."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Liu Qian Mu nodded in agreement and walked to the imperial desk to play chess with the Emperor. Meanwhile, the King of Nan'an continued to sit with his eyes closed in meditation, his cold demeanor deterring anyone from approaching.
Only Mu Hen was consumed by anxiety, praying that Yao'er would not clash with Eunuch Ah Jiu. Given her temperament, she might not be willing to enter the palace. If she were willing to enter, she would not have refused three days ago.
Mu Qingzhu and Mu Qingxiang, like their father, the Prime Minister, were also worried. Unfortunately, their worry was about their third sister appearing and losing her chance to enter the palace.
However, they quickly cast this worry aside. Before them, two peerless handsome men were engrossed in a game of chess. Such a pleasing sight made it impossible to think of anything else.
Mu Qingzhu gazed blankly at the Emperor. The Emperor was truly handsome. His brows were like frost carved, and his eyes were dark and deep, like millennium-old black iron, drawing people in.
A single glance was enough to lose oneself. His straight nose, his thin lips, every feature was perfectly arranged.
He wore a deep purple brocade robe, opulent and ostentatious, yet exuding a domineering ferocity. Even his unrestrained and indifferent demeanor was captivating.
Mu Mansion.
In the Green Courtyard, beneath a row of verdant bamboo, an exquisite ivory wood chair was placed, along with a low table laden with pastries and tea.
On the ivory wood chair, a woman was reclining comfortably. Her dark hair cascaded down, obscuring half of her delicate face and revealing the other half, which was exceptionally beautiful.
Her long eyelashes fluttered playfully, and her eyes were slightly narrowed as she gazed into the distance. Sunlight, filtering through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, cast oblique rays onto her face, which was flawless.
Although it was the height of summer, the shaded spot, with a gentle breeze, was quite cool.
Mu Qing Yao casually picked up a piece of candied fruit from the low table and popped it into her mouth. It was sour and sweet, delicious. She mused that life was truly comfortable.
How hard she had tried in the past, only to have it all turn out to be an empty dream. Now, it was better to live a happy life.
"Miss, here, have some plum tea."
Mei Xin attentively offered the tea. Mu Qing Yao took a sip from her hand, looking at the maid with satisfaction. She was no longer as afraid of her, and using her had become much smoother.
"Mei Xin, life is truly comfortable."
"Yes, Miss. As long as Miss is happy."
Mei Xin smiled. As long as her young lady was happy, that was all that mattered.
As the mistress and maid were happily conversing, Lu Er's voice echoed from afar: "Miss, Miss, someone from the palace is here!"
Mu Qing Yao's expression abruptly darkened. She inwardly cursed, thinking that the heavens couldn't stand her leisure and were looking for something to do.
As she was thinking, Lu Er had already run over from the end of the path: "Miss, someone from the palace is here, saying that His Majesty wants you to enter the palace. Eunuch Ah Jiu is waiting outside the courtyard gate!"
"What? Me, enter the palace? Why?"
Mu Qing Yao racked her brain but couldn't figure out what had gone wrong. Logically, His Majesty should not want her to enter the palace.
She had a reputation for being infatuated. If His Majesty wanted her to enter the palace as a consort, wouldn't he be afraid of being ridiculed by the world?
But if he didn't want her to enter as a consort, why was he summoning her to the palace? Mu Qing Yao's expression was hesitant. Mei Xin, standing by her side, spoke cautiously.
"Miss, what do you think about this?"
Mu Qing Yao's face was grim and displeased. What could she do at this moment? Although she desperately wanted to shout that she would not enter the palace.
However, her father was in the palace. That man cared for her deeply. More importantly, she needed family in this ancient era.
Therefore, she couldn't just stand by and watch her father, the Prime Minister, be punished by the Emperor. She had no choice but to enter the palace.
"Alright, help me tie up my hair. I'm going into the palace."
Mu Qing Yao calmly commanded the two maids beside her.
Upon hearing this, Mei Xin quickly stepped forward and skillfully began to tie up Mu Qing Yao's loose hair, examining it thoroughly.
"Miss, would you like to change into court attire?"
Although the clothes Miss was wearing were beautiful, entering the palace always required more formal attire. If His Majesty were to blame her, it wouldn't be a minor matter.
Mu Qing Yao shook her head coldly. It was already generous of her to be willing to enter the palace.
If it weren't for her concern for her father, she wouldn't bother with that man. He could be his emperor, and she could be his carefree woman. What business did he have with her?
Who knew what whim had struck him to summon her to the palace?
"No need. Let's go, Mei Xin, accompany me into the palace."
"Yes, Miss." Mei Xin extended her hand to help Mu Qing Yao, and the two walked towards the exit of the Green Courtyard, following their young lady.
She felt no fear at all, only excitement. She would finally get to see what the imperial palace was like.
A group of people stood before the gate of the Green Courtyard, including the steward of the Mu mansion and eunuchs from the palace.
The eunuch leading the group had delicate features and smooth skin, looking quite like a young catamite. Mu Qing Yao couldn't help but stare at him for a few more moments. She rarely saw such fair-skinned and tender-skinned eunuchs.
Ah Jiu saw a woman in a pale pink thin dress emerge from the gate, her dark hair simply styled, with a few stray strands playfully falling down. She was dressed in such a simple manner.